Submitted by philip on
By Philip Timothy, Managing Editor
ALEXANDRIA – A prayer, a phone call, a visit, or possibly better yet a greeting card are all powerful tools that can help lift the spirits of those who are sick and hurting, especially during the holiday season.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and happiness but for many, however, it can be a time of pain and despair.
Sickness, stress, the loss of a loved one, depression or a chronic or terminal illness – experiencing any of these situations during the year is already difficult. The holidays seem only to heighten the pain and loss even more.
For the last two years, Alexandria’s Gale Trussell, a member of Calvary Baptist Church, has made it his mission and ministry, to do what he can to lift the spirits of the sick, the infirmed and those who need encouragement with handmade prayer books, sympathy and greeting cards.
Using God’s word, his own photographs, and a little creativity, he has created, delivered and mailed out – at his own expense – more than 2,400 of these prayer books and a countless number of cards to individuals who are in need of a little prayer and encouragement.
“There were just so many names of people listed on the weekly hand out who were sick and hurting,” said Trussell, who is now retired after a storied career as a professional photographer at the Universities of Auburn and Missouri as well as an instructor of photography at Louisiana State at Alexandria. “The Lord has blessed me with enough discretionary time and income which allows me to be able to make and mail out these cards and books.”
At first, he just mainly sent out either a sympathy or greeting card but soon expanded to include the prayer books. His outreach started with the people in his church but eventually grew to include the many children in St. Jude’s or the Shriners’ Hospital.
“My heart really goes out to those poor children, especially the ones with cancer, who are battling different diseases in the hospital,” said Trussell. “I can’t deliver the books to them, so I mail them each a copy. I always try and make sure I include a lot of colorful pictures and other things that might help to brighten up their day.”
So, a typical prayer book includes verses from Psalms, Proverbs or Jeremiah; his own colorful and breathtaking photographs or re-used cards; a plan of salvation, what God expects from every human being, and a page alerting people Jesus is coming back soon.
“I used to be a professional photographer,” said Trussell. “I took hundreds, if not thousands, of photos and I held on to them. I use those photographs in each prayer book along with the cover of greeting cards that I had or I have received. As people found out what I was doing they would give me their old calendars and Christmas cards.
“Depending on the person’s situation, I will select scripture verses to show how God can and will heal any sickness, disease or disorder and He is always there by their side,” he said. “I not only want to encourage people but I want to also give them hope that a Holy and merciful God is watching over them.”
Trussell says he has gotten a lot of positive feedback on the books.
“You know yourself how good it feels when you receive a card in the mail,” said Trussell. “Well, they receive an eight-page book filled with encouragement and hope.”
He makes sure that he always includes a descriptive paragraph on the second page of the book telling people exactly what they book is and the recipients should include God’s word in their prayers as they seek healing and protection.”
How long does Trussell feel he can continue his ministry?
“Well, there is no shortage of sick and hurting people,” he said. “There may come a time where I may have to one day seek help to continue this outreach but until that day comes I will continue letting people know God is always there and will protect them in their weakened state.”
Anyone interested in a free copy of this Prayer Book contact: Psalms Prayer Book, 1626 Pineridge Ave., Alexandria, La. 71301 or call 318.473.9924.